Savoyflex

Savoyflex IIIE automatic image by Christoph Batz (Image rights)

The Savoyflex is a short-lived series of 35 mm leaf-shutter SLRs made by Royer from 1958 to 1963. Its most famous member is the Savoyflex III automatic, which was the first SLR featuring shutter priority exposure automation. This was realized by a trap-needle mechanism based on a Metrawatt Selenium meter and a Prontor Reflex leaf shutter. All five models (see below) share the same body and differ only slightly. They feature a fast return mirror and a fixed SOM Berthiot 50 mm f/2.8 lens. Besides of the very rare Alsaflex they were the only 35mm SLR ever produced in France.

Models and Variations

There were five models, which only slightly differ

• Savoyflex I (1958-1960, first version, only front element focussing)
• Savoyflex II (1959-1961, double focussing)
• Savoyflex III automatic (1960, with shutter priority auto exposure, double focussing)
• Savoyflex IIE (1961-1963, new entry model, only 1/300 as fastes speed, added cold accessory shoe)
• Savoyflex IIIE automatic (1961-1963, like model III, added cold accessory shoe)

Specifications

All models:

• leaf shutter SLR camera 24x36 mm
• fixed SOM Berthiot 50 mm f/2.8 lens
• Model I: front element focussing only
• other models: double focussing by moving the entire lens and the front element in addition (close distance 35 cm)
• Prontor Reflex leaf-shutter with exposure times from 1 s to 1/500 s and B (model IIE only 1/300s)
• fast return mirror, not synced with shutter
• Super smooth but long advance lever travel
• Image counter (downwards) within advance lever
• Rewind button with film type marker
• Tripod socket ¼ "
• Self-timer
• Dimensions: 130 x 95x 76 mm, 800 g
• Flash synchronization M or X, switchable

Model III (automatic)

• Selenium light meter with needle meter reading (aperture) on front of the camera
• Film speed setting by putting perforated plastic shades in front of Selenium cell
• trap-needle mechanism for shutter priority automatic exposure
• in automatic mode shutter release is blocked in case aperture is out of range
• Models IIE and IIIE: Accessory shoe (cold)

Accessories available for all models:

• Hyperflex (wide angle accessory lens, 35 mm)
• Ampliflex (tele accessory lens, 80 mm)
• Macroflex (close-up lens)

Image Gallery

Savoyflex IIIE automatic details images by Christoph Batz (Image rights)

Notes

• Savoyflex (3) automatic on KniPPsen